On a working visit to the United States on a working visit, on March 30 met with the Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker. At the meeting, which took place after the official welcoming ceremony, the President of Armenia noted with satisfaction that Armenia and the United States maintain friendly relations and close cooperation. He expressed gratitude for the continued assistance provided by the US to Armenia in various areas. In the development of the bilateral interstate relations, President Serzh Sargsyan stressed the significant role played by the states and state of Massachusetts in particular. The President noted that Armenia attaches importance to decentralized cooperation and with this regard would like to establish direct ties with Massachusetts. According to the President, cooperation can be of the instructive nature but can also promote close ties in the areas of education, science, information technologies and other areas.
The President of Armenia expressed gratitude for Governor Baker’s resolute stance on the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide and support to the Armenian nation. Serzh Sargsyan noted that he was glad that the leadership of Massachusetts has traditionally maintained a fair position on this issue which is proved by the fact that at the end of the 19th century, a large number of the Armenians who had managed to escape massacres of the Hamidian era and later the Armenian Genocide, found refuge here, in Massachusetts. According to the President, it is also testified to by the fact that the history of the Armenian Genocide was introduced in the curriculum of the state schools.
The President of Armenia hailed special role of Massachusetts, which played a decisive part in America’s fight for independence, toward the NK issue.
Highlighting Massachusetts’ considerable potential in the area of science and noting that it would suffice to mention among prestigious institutions functioning here the Harvard University and MIT, President mentioned with appreciation that Massachusetts and the United States in general with its scientific and educational potential after Armenia’s independence has also supported Armenia in statehood building processes. The President of Armenia hailed the assistance provided by the Government of the United States in preparing high class Armenian professionals.
Underlining that Armenia-Massachusetts relations have a promising future and Armenia is interested in maintaining close relations with the state, Serzh Sargsyan invited Governor Charlie Baker to visit Armenia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, there took place a working dinner with the participation of Governor Charlie Baker, members of the state House of Representatives, and community leaders.